Skip to main content
Guidance

Protecting groundwater from human burials

How to avoid causing groundwater pollution when developing cemeteries for burying human remains.

Updates to this page

From:
Environment Agency
Published:
1 April 2022
Last updated:
13 April 2026
Show all updates

  1. Updated the 'Standard rules permits for medium risk cemeteries' section to link to the consultation response about proposed standard rules permits for cemetery developments.

  2. Updated the link to the Environment Agency's consultation on standard rules permits for cemetery developments to advise the consultation is closed awaiting publication of the response and outcome.

  3. Added a link to the Environment Agency's consultation on standard rules permits for cemetery developments.

  4. Updated the 'bespoke permits' section to link to the latest fees.

  5. Updated the guide to reflect the requirements that apply from 2 October 2023.

  6. First published.

Applies to England

Documents

Protecting groundwater from human burials

Ref: LIT 58930

HTML

Details

This guidance is for local councils or other cemetery operators. It sets out the Environment Agency’s approach to the regulation of cemeteries to protect the environment. It covers both new cemetery developments and existing cemeteries.

Sign up for emails or print this page

Related content